Specific embodiment
The invention provides the innovative techniques for managing mixed mode operation within a wireless communication network.Specifically
Say, present invention defines a kind of dynamic algorithm, for mitigate a group of access point for constituting communication network a part it is mixed
Operated with pattern.Specifically, the present invention is distributed conventional client between the access point of network, is avoided when it is possible with every
Mixed mode system operatio between the subset of access point.In fact, the present invention ensures that conventional client is not distributed on network
In all access points between, leave some access points and be only operated in single operation pattern as far as possible.Conventional client is then
It is limited to the particular access point for being exclusively used in mixed mode operation.Because the reduction of the communication overhead needed for mixed mode operation,
Leave some access points and operated only in an operator scheme and increase network throughput.Actual distribution base between access points
In mobile device and several amount and type of the operator scheme of access point in a network.
Although describing the present invention on IEEE802.11 cordless communication networks herein, but it would be recognized that of the invention
IEEE802.11a/b/g and n client distributions are not limited to, but it is general, wherein, it is preferred that emphasis is as long as possible and not
Mixing ground maintains operation in access point in highest throughput operation pattern.For example, the present invention can be by traditional IEEE802.11b
The association of client be only limitted to there is access point in using the network of IEEE802.11g agreements in the case of in LAN
In several access points.Similarly, traditional IEEE802.11a/b/g clients are only limitted to using IEEE802.11n agreements
There are several access points in a network in the case of access point in network.Future, traditional IEEE802.11a/b/g/n visitors
Family end be only limitted to there is access point in using the network of IEEE802.11n++ agreements in the case of in a network several
Access point.In any one of these situations, remaining access point is operated in single pattern, and the single pattern is preferably
Highest throughput mode, leaves several mixed mode access points and serves conventional client.In single pattern or mixing mould
The ratio of the access point operated in formula depends on the number of exercisable mobile device and access point in any AD HOC, but
Can be to envision, the most of of access point run in single pattern.
Fig. 1 be used as using the Wireless Local Area Communication Networks network for including IEEE802.11 wireless communication systems it is described herein
The block diagram description of one embodiment of the present of invention of example.It should be appreciated, however, that it is suitable for other radio communications
System.Currently, such as OMA (Open Mobile Alliance), 3GPP (third generation partner program), 3GPP2 (third generation affiliates
2) plan is being developed for such radio telecommunications system with the standard body of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802
Standard criterion.Communication system represents the system operated in it can be based on the network of different wireless protocols.For example, subsequent retouches
State go for being modified to realizing embodiments of the invention, using such as IEEE ' s802.11,802.16 or 802.20
Wireless technology WiMAX Local Area Network or other networks.
Referring to Fig. 1, the block diagram of cordless communication network is shown, the cordless communication network has multiple access points 100,110, institute
Stating multiple access points 100,110 includes being suitable to the access point (AP) 100 of the invention thought for supporting the preferred embodiments of the present invention.This
It is in field it will be recognized that the non-descriptive systems of Fig. 1 are used to operate required all-network equipment, but only describe
Those system components and logic entity especially relevant with the description of embodiment in this.For example, access point eNodeB or base station
Can be connected with following part or including following part:(it includes accessing for one or more devices, such as radio area network station
Node (AN), MAC controller (MAC), AP controllers and/or exchanger), base station transceiver (BTS), base station control
Device (BSC), Packet Control Function (PCF), packet control unit (PCU) and/or radio network controller (RNC).However,
Any one in Fig. 1 in not specifically illustrated these other devices.
AP100 is described as in Fig. 1 include the processor 104 for being coupled to transceiver 102 and memory 106.Generally,
The component of such as processor, memory and transceiver is known.For example, transceiver 102 can be used to pass through
IEEE802.11 interfaces are communicated with user's set.Additionally, it is known that AP processing units include basic module, but do not limit such as
In microprocessor, microcontroller, memory cache, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and/or logic circuit.Such component
It is typically suitable for realizing using high-level design languages or description expression, using computer instruction expressing, is patrolled using messaging
Collect algorithm and/or agreement that flow chart reaches.
Therefore, in the case where algorithm, logic flow, messaging/signal transmitting stream and/or protocol specification is given, this
Technical staff in field knows many designs and development technique that can be used for the AP processors that realization performs the given logic.Cause
This, AP100 is represented according to the known device for describing to be adapted for carrying out each embodiment of the invention in this.And, ability
It is in domain it will be recognized that aspect of the invention can be realized on the neutralization of various physical assemblies, and do not have
Aspect is necessarily limited to single platform realization.For example, AP aspects of the invention can be implemented in any of devices listed above
One is gone up or is distributed on such component.
AP100 is entered using local wireless interface with least one mobile device 120 (MD) and at least one adjacent AP110
Row communication, at least one adjacent AP100 includes the transceiver 112 of itself, processor 114 and memory 116, this with
Those of AP100 are similar to.Local wireless interface 122 is corresponding to the forward link used in the communication between MD and AP and reversely
Link.Known mobile device or remote unit platforms refer to substantial amounts of consumer electronic platform, such as client, movement station,
Mobile node, user equipment, subscriber station, subscriber device, subscriber station, access terminal, remote terminal, terminal device, game device,
Personal computer and personal digital assistant etc., all of which is referred to herein as mobile device.Specifically, each mobile device bag
Processor, antenna, keypad, loudspeaker, microphone and the display for maying be coupled to transceiver are included, during they are this area
It is known and therefore have been not shown.
Known AP and MD includes basic module, such as but is not limited to microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), micro-
Controller, storage arrangement, application specific integrated circuit and/or logic circuit.Such device is typically suitable for realizing having used height
Level design language or description expression, expressed using computer instruction, transmitted using messaging/signal flow graph expression and/or
Use the algorithm and/or agreement of logic flow graph expression.Therefore, algorithm, logic flow, messaging/signal transmission are being provided
In the case of flow, call flow and/or protocol specification, those skilled in the art know can be used for realize perform this give
Many designs and development technique of the user equipment of logic.
One embodiment of the present of invention is introduced for the exercisable nothing such as under for example various IEEE802.11 agreements
The thought that the operator scheme of the cordless communication network of line LAN is manipulated.As used herein, such as IEEE802.11b/g/a/n
Each of various IEEE802.11 agreements be referred to as operator scheme, wherein, currently used different operator scheme (for example,
Both " b " and " n ") those AP for serving MD operate in mixed mode, and it is current using only an operator scheme (example
Such as, " n ") those AP to support MD operate in single pattern.Preferably, AP is only in a highest throughput mode
Operation (if for example, AP can support that operator scheme b, g and n, AP should be operated in " n " pattern, because " n " is highest
Throughput mode), to avoid Overhead Message from transmitting and protocol configuration messaging, it reduce network throughput and validity
Energy.
The invention provides a kind of dynamic technique, the mixed mode for avoiding AP subsets in a network is operated.The skill
Art ensures that legacy mobile unit is not distributed to all of AP as far as possible, and should only with the sum of access point in a network
A part be associated, to avoid all AP from being all operated in mixed mode.The present invention considers the MD between AP in a network
Actual distribution and load.It is contemplated that the present invention may be use with being distributed tradition MD for following agreement, avoid appointing when it is possible with every
What mixed mode operation.The invention is not restricted to tradition (for example, IEEE802.11b/g/a) MD distributions, but it is general, and
And it is expansible, wherein, it is preferred that emphasis is the AP operated in the single pattern of highest handling capacity so that AP is every to be required for when it is possible
The operator scheme of lower throughput configures itself.
In fact, the present invention only limits the association of older traditional MD of the MD for such as being operated with IEEE802.11b agreements
Several network APs in the case of there is the exercisable AP of use high throughput IEEE802.11g agreements in network.
Similarly, the pass of older traditional MD of the MD that the present invention will be operated such as with any one of agreement IEEE802.11b/g/a
Connection is only limitted to the several networks in the case of network has using the current exercisable AP of IEEE802.11n agreements
AP.In future, the association of traditional MD of the MD that the present invention will be operated such as with any one of IEEE802.11b/g/a/n agreements is only
It is limited to that there are the several network APs in the case of using following exercisable AP of IEEE802.11n++ agreements in network.
By this way, the present invention ensures that the most of of AP are run with the procotol with highest data throughput, but still
Conventional client is served, without significant impact.
As used herein, " pattern " refers to the operating protocol of the support on the radio set of AP, such as
IEEE802.11b etc.." MD types " refers to using the exercisable MD of AD HOC.The letter can be decoded from the message from MD
Breath, the messaging includes any one or more of the following part from MD:Probe requests thereby, certification and association request etc..
Similarly, " AP types " refers to the operator scheme of the support on AP and adjacent AP.Can be from beacon, probe response and association
Response etc. and from is announced in these designated frames for communicating by single AP ability information decoding this point.Neighbor AP also may be used
Communicated with using wired side, notify its operator scheme with to other AP, and also listen to beacon and the probe response of other AP.
Initially, the memory 106,116 of AP is configured to the default mode of operation value of each AP, and the value is visited by its media
Ask control (MAC) Address Recognition.For example, double radio AP can be operated in IEEE802.11a and IEEE802.11n patterns,
As shown in Figure 5.Its operator scheme is initially set to highest enabled mode (if for example, the nothing by each radio device
Line electric installation can support " b " and " g " pattern, then be set to for its pattern as high throughput pattern by the radio device
“g”).Memory is also required to be configured with the list of the adjacent AP and their operator scheme of AP.The list can be listened to by
Each AP of its adjacent AP just information of broadcast is edited and preserved.
Referring to Fig. 4, which operator scheme operation the form will be currently using including which adjacent AP.For example, AP can
To detect from four signals of adjacent AP1 to 4.From for listening to from this four communications of adjacent AP, AP100 can be true
Fixed adjacent AP1 and AP2 is operated merely with newest IEEE802.11n agreements in single pattern, and AP3 is using tradition
IEEE802.11b agreements and tradition IEEE802.11g agreements are operated in mixed mode, and AP4 is using tradition
IEEE802.11b agreements and tradition IEEE802.11g agreements and current IEEE802.11n agreements are operated in mixed mode.
If AP is interconnected, this can also be by there is line side interface.
However, when that can be that AP may be not intended to support more tradition MD, understanding AP can support that traditional MD is not
No more.It therefore would be advantageous to, determine whether " available " is to support traditional MD for any one of these adjacent AP.Herein with following
Two kinds of different modes define " available ":Understand the threshold value of present load and that load of AP;Or, understanding AP's " can
Up to property ", it is described below.
For example, each form can include the threshold value and client load of adjacent AP, wherein, if adjacent AP is
Support multiple tradition MD (that is, client load), and if the client load more than the AP set for itself can
Acceptance threshold, then the adjacent AP be not to be seen as traditional MD support possibility candidate, i.e. it is not " available ".Further
It is secondary referring to Fig. 4, if AP is in face of the MD that is operated in traditional IEEE802.11b agreements, if it can be found that being adapted to this
The adjacent AP of MD, then the AP can refuse the association of the MD.In this illustration, adjacent AP1 is grasped in single " n " pattern
Make, it is operated with full client load in addition, therefore, it is not the possibility candidate for adapting to the MD.AP2 is in single " n " pattern
Middle operation, therefore it is not the possibility candidate for adapting to the MD, even if it has available client load.AP3 can fitted
Answer operation in the mixed mode of MD.However, its client load far surpasses its threshold value, therefore it does not adapt to the MD finally.AP4 can
To adapt to the MD, because it is operated in mixed mode and its client load is less than its threshold value.Because AP4 can use,
AP can refuse the association of MD, and leave the MD to search for AP4, effectively manipulate MD to AP4.
In another example, AP " accessibility " is used to determine the MD in the case where current AP is operated in non-mixed mode
Whether pattern neighbor AP support can be mixed.If the message of pre-authentication, MD can be exchanged between MD and any AP
" can reach " AP.For example, once MD is associated with AP100, then MD can actively or passively be scanned, to look in its vicinity
To other AP.Neighbor AP that MD can find to those sends pre-authentication message, this can be periodically, or upon because
Completed the need for following switching caused by the trend of roaming.Even so, MD will be protected still during the pre-authentication stage
Hold is associated with its original service AP100.MD and then AP100 can be serviced to it send message, or service AP100 can be for
Itself detection for the pre-authentication message from adjacent AP any response, this indicate these specific adjacent AP as with
In the handoff candidate person " can reach " of traditional MD.The information can be stored and updated in the table, and be used subsequently to confirm
For " available " candidate that any traditional MD is supported.
Referring back to Fig. 1, in the first embodiment, invention introduces the thought of Connection Time mode manipulation, what it referred to
It is following technologies:Wherein, AP attempts being maintained at single (highest throughput operation pattern), non-with by its operator scheme most hard-workingly
In the pattern of mixing.Substantially, AP manipulates conventional client to be attached to another AP for being operated in mixed mode.Should
Technology is primarily adapted for use in when AP100 receives association request from MD120, and now, AP is made whether to allow based on its current behaviour
The judgement of the obtained use of at least one adjacent AP of the association for making state and the MD that request can be supported.
From the association request received by transceiver 102, the processor 104 of AP100 can determine the operation mould of MD120
Formula.If the operator scheme of mobile device mismatches any operator scheme of access point, obvious AP can not support MD, and locate
Reason device 104 will be refused or not allow association.Certainly, if matching AP's as the operator scheme of optimum operation condition mobile device
Highest throughput operation pattern, then the processor 104 of AP100 will allow association.
However it is not desirable that, if the operator scheme of mobile device is low highest throughput operation pattern than AP
Throughput operation pattern, and if any neighboring access point has the operator scheme matched with the operator scheme of mobile device simultaneously
And operated at least two different (mixing) operator schemes, then the processor 104 of AP100 can be refused or not allow to close
Connection.Refusal does not allow association for providing the chance being associated with neighbor AP 110 to MD, because AP100 knows in a network
In the presence of another AP that can support that MD.Alternatively, whether AP100 can also determine adjacent AP110 " available ", such as exist
This definition, wherein, if adjacent AP110 " can obtain use, proceed to refusal or do not allow association.
Otherwise, the permission of processor 104 of AP100 and associating for MD120.In other words, if the operation mould of mobile device
Formula is the low throughput operation pattern of highest throughput operation pattern than AP, is had without adjacent AP and movement
Device operator scheme matching operator scheme and at least two different operator schemes 214 operation (or, if phase
Adjacent AP is not " available "), then the processor 104 of AP100 allows association.In this case, referring to Fig. 5, if MD types are
" g ", and ratio (2) pattern of AP is " n ", and without the neighbor AP with wireless mode " g ", then the AP allows client
It is " g/n " (mixed mode) as shown in Figure 6 that end is associated and sets its wireless mode, to adapt to MD.
Produced under the superincumbent situation of following problems:Adjacent AP can be forced to receive increasing tradition AP, or
Person can be found that itself is competed with its neighbour and departs from tradition MD with by itself.And, based in current operating channel
Load, it is possible to which multiple AP move to mixed mode operation simultaneously, although Connection Time mode manipulation.Therefore, the present invention is preferred
Envision the thought that cleaning module is manipulated in ground.
Cleaning module manipulate attempt the sluggishness based on client distribution in a network and by some bands of mixed mode AP
To the operation of single pattern.Cleaning module is manipulated and refers to AP for being operated in mixed mode because traditional with non-traditional client
The low ratio at end and relatively low conventional client count and cause to move to the technology of single pattern.Substantially, once protecting
There is the accessible neighbor AP 110 operated in mixed mode in card, then the traditional MD for forcing AP to be operated in mixed mode will
It is forced to remove or release certification from service.This is in the following cases beneficial:Wherein, AP is forced to move to mixed mode behaviour
Make in (this technology even also occurs when application Connection Time mode manipulation), wherein, do not allow single Mode A P refusals to pass
The association of system MD, and must then receive mixed mode operation to associate that MD, however, after some time, if passed
System client and non-traditional client ratio (that is, client load) descend below the threshold value of definition, then cleaning module manipulation will
AP is allowed to move back to single pattern by the way that MD manipulations are left into AP100.
In the case where AP100 is operated at least two different operator schemes, if than highest throughput mode
(tradition) mobile device of middle operation and (non-traditional) mobile device in highest throughput mode (that is, client load) operation
Ratio be more than threshold value, then the processor 104 of AP100 continue in mixed mode operate.If client load is less than threshold value,
Following other condition must then be tested.
If having the available action pattern matched with the operator scheme of one of mobile device without neighboring access point,
The processor 104 of AP100 will continue to support that mobile device 120 in mixed mode.Otherwise, if any adjacent connects
Access point 110 has the operator scheme matched with the operator scheme of one of mobile device, then the processor 104 of AP100 can be from it
That mobile device is removed in service, and moves to operator scheme higher.
If the mobile device being eliminated is last legacy mobile unit serviced by AP, i.e. client load rate
It is 0, then the processor 104 of AP100 can switch back to single pattern operation.In other words, once having removed all of
Legacy mobile unit, then the processor 104 of AP100 will be operated only under the single pattern of highest handling capacity.
Fig. 2 illustrates the flow chart of the method for mode manipulation within a wireless communication network of the invention.At this
In example, the invention provides Connection Time mode manipulation function.
The method is started by following manner:By access point configuration neighboring access point and their available operator scheme
List.The list can also be indicated including " availability ".The instruction indicates whether access point is ready to support legacy mobile unit.
Next step step includes:By access point 202 requests for associating are received from mobile device.
Next step step includes:The operator scheme of 204 mobile devices is determined by access point.
If the operator scheme of mobile device mismatches any operator scheme 206 of access point, next step step includes
Refusal 212 does not allow association.Using refusal or not in for the method that the chance being associated with neighbor AP is provided for MD
Allow association.
If the operator scheme of mobile device matches the highest throughput operation pattern 208 of access point, next step
Including allowing 210 to associate.
If the operator scheme of mobile device is the throughput operation mould lower than the highest throughput operation pattern of access point
Formula 208, and if any adjacent access point has the operator scheme that is matched with the operator scheme of mobile device, and extremely
Operated in few two kinds of different operator schemes 214, then next step includes refusal 212 or do not allow association.Alternatively, AP
Adjacent AP can be determined whether " available ", as defined herein, wherein, only as adjacent AP " available ", just proceed to refusal
Or do not allow association.
Otherwise, access point allows association.In other words, if the operator scheme of mobile device is gulped down than the highest of access point
The low throughput operation pattern 208 of the amount of telling operator scheme, has the behaviour with mobile device without adjacent access point
The available action pattern of operation mode matching, and operation 214 is (or if adjacent at least two different operator schemes
AP is not " available "), then allow 210 to associate.
The flow chart of the continuation of the method for Fig. 3 pictorial images 2.In this illustration, the invention provides removing function.
The method is in AP at least two different operator schemes 300, i.e. in mix operation pattern operate in the case of after
It is continuous.
If the mobile device operated in less than highest throughput operation pattern is operated with highest throughput mode
Mobile device ratio be more than threshold value 302, then AP continue in mixed mode 300 operate.If less than highest handling capacity
The mobile device operated in operator scheme is less than threshold value 302 with the ratio of the mobile device operated in highest throughput mode,
Then the method continues.
If having the available action pattern matched with the operator scheme of one of mobile device without adjacent access point
304, then AP by continue that mobile device 300 is supported in mixed mode.Otherwise, if any adjacent access point has
The available action pattern matched with the operator scheme of one of mobile device 304, then access point can from its service remove 306 that
Mobile device.
If the mobile device being eliminated is last the lower throughput mobile device serviced by AP, i.e. ratio is
0 308, then AP can switch back to single pattern (operator scheme higher) operation 310.In other words, once having removed
Less than all of mobile device operated under highest throughput mode, then access point will only under the single pattern of highest handling capacity
Operation.
In the foregoing specification, it has been described that specific embodiment.But, one of ordinary skilled in the art understands,
In the case of without departing from the scope of the present invention for illustrating in the appended claims, various modifications and changes can be carried out.
Therefore, specification and drawings should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive implication, and all such modifications be intended to by
It is included in the scope of this teaching.
Benefit, advantage, the solution for problem can cause any benefit, advantage or the solution for problem
Certainly scheme occur or any one or more elements for becoming more to protrude be not construed as any or whole rights will
Crucial, the required or necessary feature or element asked.The present invention is uniquely limited by appended claims, appended
Claim includes that any modification carried out in the pending period of the application is all equivalent with those claims authorized
Thing.
And, herein, first and second can be uniquely used for one with the relational terms of upper and lower grade
Entity or behavior are mutually distinguished with another entity or behavior, and are not necessarily required or implied in such entity or row
Any actual such relation or order between.Term " including ", " having " "comprising" or its any other change
Change form be intended to cover it is non-exclusive include, to include, with, the process comprising series of elements, method, article or set
It is standby not only to include those elements, and comprising not yet explicitly listing or such process, method, article or equipment are intrinsic
Other elements.Before have " including ", the element of " having " "comprising" is in the absence of more restrictions, be not precluded within including, tool
Have, there is other identical element in the process comprising the element, method, article or equipment.Term " one " is determined
Justice be one or more, unless herein in addition it is manifestly intended that.Term " substantially ", " substantially ", " generally " " about " or
Person its any other version is defined as close to as one of ordinary skilled in the art understands and non-at one
In restricted embodiment, the term is defined as in 10%.In another embodiment in 5%, in another embodiment
In in 1%.In another embodiment in 0.5%.Term " coupling " as used herein is defined as connection, although differ
Surely it is directly connected or not necessarily mechanically connected.The device or structure for " configuring " in a specific way are at least by that way
It is configured, but can also be configured in ways that are not listed.
It will be understood that, some embodiments can be by one or more general or special processors (or " processing unit ")
The programmed instruction (including software and firmware) of the one or more of processors of control for uniquely storing combines specific non-
Processor circuit, method described herein and/or equipment some, most of or repertoire constitute, it is described by one or
Multiple general or special processors such as microprocessor, digital signal processor, the processor and field-programmable of customization
Gate array (FPGA).Alternatively, can be by the state machine or special at one or more of the programmed instruction without storage
Some or all functions are realized in integrated circuit (ASIC), in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), each work(
Some combinations of energy or specific function are implemented as customized logic.Of course, it is possible to use the combination of described two means.
Furthermore, it is possible to embodiment is embodied as into computer-readable recording medium, computer-readable code is stored thereon, use
In being programmed to perform method said and required for protection to computer (for example, including processor).Such meter
The example of calculation machine readable storage medium storing program for executing is included but is not limited to, and hard disk, CD-ROM, light storage device, magnetic memory apparatus, ROM are (only
Read memory), PROM (programmable read only memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory EPROM), (electronics can for EEPROM
Erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM)) and flash memory.Furthermore it is contemplated that those of ordinary skill, although may carry out for example by
Notable effort and many design alternatives that pot life, current techniques and economic consideration drive, but when by thought disclosed herein
Or during principle guiding, such software instruction and program and IC can be easily produced with minimum experiment.
The summary of the disclosure is provided to allow reader promptly to determine property disclosed in this technology.It will be appreciated that its will not
Scope or implication for explaining or limiting claim.In addition, in the foregoing detailed description, it can be seen that,
In each embodiment, each feature is grouped together, to cause that the disclosure is smooth.Disclosed this method is not construed as instead
Reflect following intentions:Embodiment required for protection needs spies more more than the feature clearly enumerated in each claim
Levy.But, as the following claims reflect as, the theme of invention is complete less than single the disclosed embodiments
Portion's feature.Therefore, appended claim is merged in specific embodiment herein, and each claim is in itself as independently
Claimed theme.